Three College Football Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026 | Deadspin.com Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidatesVirginia TechIf you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.Oklahoma State Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.FloridaJon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1. #College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.com

Three College Football Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026 | Deadspin.com
Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.
Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.
That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.
Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidates
Virginia Tech
If you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.
That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.
With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.
It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.
He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.
Oklahoma State

Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.
He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.
All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.
His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.
It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.
Florida
Jon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.
He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.
Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.
On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1.

#College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 17, 2026

Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.

Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.

That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.

Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidates

Virginia Tech

If you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.

That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.

With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.

It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.

He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.

Oklahoma State

Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.

He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.

All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.

His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.

It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.

Florida

Jon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.

He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.

Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.

On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1.

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#College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.com

Carrick hints at possible Mainoo return for Manchester United vs Chelsea Premier League clash <div id="content-body-70874319" itemprop="articleBody">Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said he was disappointed to be without suspended centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in Saturday’s Premier League 2025-26 game at ‌Chelsea, with both teams eyeing a Champions League spot.Martinez was sent off during Monday’s 2-1 loss ⁠at home to Leeds United for pulling striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. The Argentina international later got a three-match ban.Maguire, sent off during ‌a draw at Bournemouth last month, was given a one-match ban by the FA on Wednesday.“The decisions ‌have been made, something that we’re really disappointed ‌with ⁠in many ways, but we’ve got to move ⁠on now, and that’s what we’ll do,” Carrick told reporters on Friday.“It is what it is, we’ve been hit with some decisions but we have to accept it and ‌move on,” he added.However, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been injured for over two weeks, could return on Saturday, Carrick said. “Kobbie has done little bits, we’re working towards it. There’s ‌a decision to be made there,” he noted.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/saka-injury-news-arsenal-vs-manchester-city-premier-league-title-race-decider/article70874269.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arteta rules out Saka for Arsenal vs Manchester City clash</a>United, third in the league, has won only one of its last four matches, but Carrick said ⁠his team can take heart from its performance under pressure in recent games.Carrick’s side fought back with 10 men against ‌Leeds, scoring a second-half goal before falling short.“We didn’t get the result we wanted against Leeds, but the way we finished the game and the character we showed, we have to take that into this game with an extra player,” he said.Chelsea, four points below the top five, has also struggled over the last month, losing five of its six matches in all competitions, including three straight Premier League losses.But Carrick said he expected a tough game, ⁠with United being winless at Stamford Bridge since February 2020.“It’s a ⁠tough place to go, always has been. We’ve had some tough games down there. It has ‌the feelings of a real, proper game, so we’ll be ready for that. We’ve prepared well and take the confidence from what we’ve built,” he said.Published on Apr 17, 2026</div> #Carrick #hints #Mainoo #return #Manchester #United #Chelsea #Premier #League #clash

LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.
LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.
Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.
Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.
Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?
Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.
If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.
LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?
Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.
Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">

NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve gameAccording to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:NFL Black Friday games in 2026Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader. #NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday

mwasimuddin125 0

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.
That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.
When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.
Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.
A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.
As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.
NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game
According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.
As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.
Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:
NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026
Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.
The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).
Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.
Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.
The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:
NFL Black Friday games in 2026
Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.
The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.
This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday

LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

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Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

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